Why you should see The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25 at Millennium Gallery
Since February, The Millennium Gallery has hosted The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25. This exhibition showcases the work of talented photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals. The curator Katie Irwin spoke to The Star about why this exhibition is so special for the city.
“This is a really exciting exhibition of portrait photography. We have 54 incredible images in the show that have been submitted by artists from all over the world,” Katie said.
“It’s a special occasion for Sheffield because it comes straight off the back of the show in London at the National Portrait Gallery. We’re the only venue outside of London to be showing it – it’s a really exciting exhibition for the city.”
While Katie spoke to me, we walked around the exhibition taking in a vast range varying from bold and striking colours to striking black and white imagery.
The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25 is powerful, evocative and ultimately a celebration of how we see each other, and ourselves – albeit captured in stasis.
One of the images features a trio of Mongolian ladies, each one bending into a different post yet interconnected. A gymnastic trinity, or human paradox if you will… mainly because it is not apparent where one person’s limbs begin, end, or where there is a blending crossover of more than one.
You have to see it to grasp how I am trying to paint this particular picture with words.
As we walk together, Katie continues guiding me past more portraits while sharing further insight into what is on display, explaining the differing criteria and thinking behind some of the pieces on show.
“The show is a very varied collection of portraits, covering everything from documentary to studio photography, as well as more spontaneous imagery as well.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore photographs spanning tender human moments to striking formal portraits, and discover the stories behind the creation of these remarkable works.
Katie framed (no pun-intended), what visitors can expect when they take a trip to the Millennium Gallery:
“The exhibition is a really diverse reflection of people from many different walks of life, as well as the world as it is today. Every image in the exhibition was taken over the past year, so the photos reflect current affairs, communities, families, and the many different relationships that come out from the world of portraiture.”
The exhibition will also feature work by runners-up, Luan Davide Gray and Byron Mohammad Hamzah, as well as the winner of the The Taylor Wessing Photographic Commission, Hollie Fernando – who won the award for a piece titled Boss Morris..
Fernando’s work is taken from the series Hoydenish. With her portrait, Fernando wanted to explore the shift in gender equality within Morris dancing. The photo presents Boss Morris (a young, all female Morris side based in Stroud), adorned in folkloric dress and make-up as they huddle together for a group portrait.
Described by the National Portrait Gallery as ‘otherworldly’, this piece is peppered with symbolism. The vivid image depicts the women in white dresses, make-up and masks. Think of the stylistic overtures of the cult-horror Midsommar and you will get an idea of the clothing style.
It’s a powerfully impacting framing that beautifully conveys the spirit, creativity and ambition of the subjects contained within.
In short, you should really go and check it out. It is certainly a sight to take in.
The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25 will be on display until Sunday 10 May – Entry to the exhibition is free, suggested donation £5.
Where to see it: Millennium Gallery, 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP
Find out more: https://www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/taylor-wessing-photo-portrait-prize-25/